What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sister
Example
My sister and I are going to the movies tonight. [sister: noun]
Example
She's like a sister to me, we've been friends for years. [sister: simile]
Example
The sisters of the church gathered for their weekly meeting. [sisters: plural noun]
kin
Example
All of my kin live in the same town. [kin: noun]
Example
We are all kin, descended from the same ancestors. [kin: pronoun]
Example
The festival celebrates the traditions of our kin. [kin: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sister is more commonly used than kin in everyday language, as it is a more specific term that is used frequently in casual conversation. Kin is more commonly used in legal or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sister and kin?
Kin is more formal than sister and is often used in legal or academic contexts. Sister is more informal and is commonly used in casual conversation or personal relationships.